Blue Flax

Heliophila longifolia is a delicate and airy half-hardy annual originating from South Africa, but it grows beautifully in the UK during the summer. It produces a cloud of small, four-petalled flowers in an intense, clear sky-blue with a small white eye. The plants have very thin, wiry stems and narrow, almost needle-like leaves, reaching about 30-45cm in height. Because of its light habit, it is best planted in large drifts where the cumulative effect of the blue flowers is most striking. It is also a lovely addition to containers where it can mingle with other plants. Sowing can be done directly into the garden in May, or earlier under glass. It requires a very sunny, well-drained position and does not like to be overwatered. It is a relatively short-lived annual, so successional sowings every few weeks are recommended for a display that lasts all summer. It brings a rare, pure blue tone to the garden that is highly sought after.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Light, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.